Expert Answers about RV Surge Protectors

• 50 Amp Progressive Surge Protector Not Working When Connected to 30 Amp Service via "Dog Bone"
• You can connect your trailer with 50-amp service to a 30-amp RV park outlet with a 50-amp surge protector. For instance, the 50 amp cord from your trailer (with male prongs) can plug into a 50-amp surge protector. The cord from the surge protector can plug into the female side of a 30 amp to 50-amp adapter (dog bone) like the Mighty Cord # Item # A10-3050FBK Dog Bone Adapter. Then the 30-amp end of the dog bone plugs into your 30-amp service. If your 50-amp surge protector detects an...
  view full answer...


• Troubleshooting A Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog Surge Protector Thats limiting Voltage
• If the Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector # HU87FR was limiting the voltage running to your RV then it's most likely a bad control module and you'll need the Replacement Surge Module for Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Emergency Shut Down # HU58FR. These modules are model specific so you'll want to ensure you're purchasing the correct one for your model. I've listed the modules and their compatible systems below incase you have a different one. The # HU38FR fits the # HU47FR The...
  view full answer...


• Camco Surge Protector 50 Amp Hums While in Use
• I checked with Camco about their Camco RV Power Defender Voltage Protector item # CAM55306. They said that this was completely normal. The hum that is bothering your neighbors indicates that the protector is functioning properly. The hum may change pitches as well.
  view full answer...


• Testing RV Electrical Components After A Power Surge
• The converter is just one more appliance that's built into your RV's power center so there is the chance that it could be damaged or that it may still properly function. The converter is just a charger for your RV's battery and has its own circuit breaker in the AC distribution panel. You can test the output of the converter to the battery to determine if the converter is faulty and in need of replacement with part # PD4560CSV. A power surge can damage everything connected through the...
  view full answer...


• How Does Hardwired Power Watchdo Surge Protector Test without RV Connected if Hardwired
• You could switch off your RV's breaker box so that when you plug in to the RV power source the Hardwired Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Bluetooth and Emergency Shut Down # HU77FR could get a reading without risking running any power your RV.
  view full answer...


• Troubleshooting A Camco Dogbone RV Surge Protector
• It definitely could be a burnt out light or some other internal issue with the Camco RV Power Defender # CAM55312, but the only way to really test that theory would be to connect to an outlet that had an open ground or neutral to see if the red light kicks on and the left yellow light remained off. I don't recommend testing this as you could potentially cause an electrical fire. Unfortunately Camco doesn't make it to where you can actually fix any issues with the # CAM55312 and at this...
  view full answer...


• Troubleshooting An E-6 Error Code With A Power Watchdog Surge Protector
• I spoke with the manufacturer and they stated that if you were using an adapter along with the Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Bluetooth and Emergency Shut Down - Hardwired - 50 Amp # HU27FR to step down to 30 or 15 amp service that the adapter could be the issue and would explain why you were seeing it in multiple locations. Since you have the hardwired version it is important to also check that you wired it with the correctly to match up with the RV power cord and from the Watchdog...
  view full answer...


• Can the Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector Be Reset
• The only reset you can do on the Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Bluetooth and Emergency Shut Down # HU87FR is from within the app, so if it's not letting you reset it then it's fried and you'll need to replace it.
  view full answer...


• Can Power Watchdog Surge Protector # HU77FR be Used with Transfer Switch
• Yes, you can use the Power Watchdog Surge Protector # HU77FR with a transfer switch like what you mentioned.
  view full answer...


• Camco Power Defender Showing Open Neutral When Plugged Into RV
• If you are plugging the Camco RV Power Defender Voltage Protector # CAM55306 directly to the shore power outlet and only getting the "Open Neutral" fault when plugging in the RV then there is an issue either with the outlet itself or your RV cord. The reason the error is only showing when plugging in the RV is because it will only detect it when power is being sent back to the RV/trailer. It is basically needing a bigger load placed on the circuit to identify this fault. I recommend inspecting...
  view full answer...


• Troubleshooting An E9 Error Code On A Power Watchdog Surge Protector
• The E9 error code on your Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector # HU87FR is a warning telling you that the surge absorption board is used up and will need to be replaced. It will still allow power to pass through but it won't protect you in the event of a surge. You can replace the surge absorption board with the Replacement Surge Module # HU58FR. I've attached a video to help you with the installation of the new surge absorption board.
  view full answer...


• Troubleshooting E9 Code After Replacing Surge Module on Power Watchdog Surge Protector
• That E9 code should go away on it's own once you've installed the Replacement Surge Module # HU38FR. Since that code is remaining you'll want to open up the Power Watchdog Surge Protector again and check the connections you made. Make sure they are clean and secured because if they aren't that could be what's still throwing that code. If the install looks good then it sounds like you have a warranty issue you'll want to pursue.
  view full answer...


• Troubleshooting Open Neutral Reading Only When Air Conditioner Is Running
• The Camco RV Power Defender Voltage Protector - 50 Amp # CAM55306 is reading correct when you are in basic use. So we know the shore power is not the issue. We know that AC units do pull a lot of power, so the momentary open neutral wouldn't be a concern but if it says that way the entire time you are running your AC, I would have the wiring looked at to confirm you are safe in its use.
  view full answer...


• Stray Voltage or Hot Skin and The Dangers of Miswired or Damaged Ground Wires on Campers
• What you are experiencing is called Hot-Skin and it is extremely dangerous. Hot-Skin occurs when the ground wire on a Camper's shore power feed is interrupted somehow. That allows even normal leakage currents inside of a camper to create a stray voltage on the entire RV, including its “skin,” chassis, wheels, hitch and tow vehicle. So whatever you're touching on the camper is hot and that's what's giving you that tingling feeling. Your leakage must be coming from a low voltage short because...
  view full answer...


• Troubleshooting An Open Ground Error When Using A Surge Protector With Generators
• Your generators have a floating neutral so that's why you're receiving the open ground error. The solution to this is to plug the Hughes Autoformers Ground Neutral Bonded Plug for Generators # HU33FR into an open 15 amp outlet on the generators. You CAN NOT plug this into any outlets in your Lance 650, only on the generators. These plugs will clear your open ground error and allow your surge protector and generators to properly function.
  view full answer...


• Why Does The Power Watchdog Surge Protector Disconnect From The Mobile App
• The most common reason is that something has changed in the security or permission settings for the app for your Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector # HU87FR; this might happen not only when you change something, but also if something happens in the back end of the app (via the manufacturer).
  view full answer...


• Humming Noise Coming from Camco RV Power Defender
• I checked with my contact over at Camco who confirmed that the humming sound coming from your Camco RV Power Defender # CAM55310 is nothing to worry about- this is completely normal with products like this and mean they're functioning correctly. They mentioned that it will sometimes be louder than others and will even change from a softer hum to a louder one, so that's something to be aware of going forward as well.
  view full answer...


• Troubleshooting Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector Not Lighting Up
• The Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector # HU87FR is a simple plug in product that should be giving you a reading right away after you flip the breaker back on. If the dog's face doesn't turn white or red then that is an indication that you either don't have power on the pedestal (like if you forgot to flip the breaker or the pedestal simply doesn't have power) or the Power Watchdog is defective and you'll want to look into the limited lifetime warranty that comes with this product. If...
  view full answer...


• How Do I Pair My Watchdog PWD50 Surge Protector To My Smartphone?
• That's interesting, in order to pair the Watchdog to your smartphone via the app you'd need to scan the QR code that is physically on the device. There isn't really a toggle 50 amp service on or off you should be always getting a 50 amp service since you have the # HU87FR. The only I can recommend before reaching out to Watchdog is to re-pair the app and your surge protector to see if that fixes it. I have attached the instructions on how to set the app up for you to check out and...
  view full answer...


• Troubleshooting Power Watchdog Surge Protector Not Allowing Low Voltage Warings To Adjust Over 108V
• You may have something wrong with your Power Watchdog Surge Protector # HU97FR. First I recommend verifying you have the most up to date version of the Hughes app installed on your smart phone. Then if the app will still not allow you to change the low and high limits try removing the device and reinstalling it. Be sure to set the limits immediately after connecting the Watchdog to your smartphone. If the problems still occur you will want to contact Hughes to discuss the option of a...
  view full answer...